The highly anticipated ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is now perfectly set for the second match, with the hosts holding a slender 1-0 lead after clinching a narrow six-run victory in the thrilling series opener.
The first match was a high-scoring affair that saw Pakistan’s middle order, led by an exceptional century from Salman Ali Agha (105*), rescue the innings from 95/4 to post a challenging total of 299/5. Sri Lanka fought valiantly in the chase, with all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga playing a destructive 59-run knock, but ultimately fell just short, ensuring the pressure is firmly on the visitors to level the series in this crucial second encounter at the same venue.
PAK vs SL, 2nd ODI: Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Date and Time | November 13 (Thursday); 3:00 pm IST / 09:30 am GMT / 2:30 pm LOCAL |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Head-to-Head Record (ODIs) | Pakistan leads the historical record, having won 93 of the 157 matches played against Sri Lanka’s 59 victories, with 4 no results and 1 tie. |
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is highly expected to remain a batting-friendly surface, having already supported a total of 299 in the first ODI. The average first-innings score at this venue in ODIs hovers around 244, but recent games have shown it can easily be pushed to 300 or more.
The surface tends to offer some early movement for the fast bowlers, which Pakistan’s Haris Rauf exploited with a four-wicket haul in the opener. However, the pitch flattens out quickly, making stroke play easier. Spinners are expected to have a greater impact as the game progresses, making the wrist spin of Hasaranga and Abrar Ahmed crucial. Given the result and the nature of the surface in the first match, the team winning the toss will likely prefer to bowl first and back themselves to chase a target under the lights.
Team dynamics and key players
Pakistan: The home side will be confident after their first ODI win, which was rescued by the middle-order partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Hussain Talat. The top order, including Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, will be keen to convert their starts into big scores, as they failed to capitalize in the series opener. The bowling attack remains potent, led by the pace of captain Shaheen Afridi and the impact of Rauf, who will be key to taking early wickets and stemming the flow of runs in the death overs.
Sri Lanka: The visitors will feel they let the first match slip away after a promising start from their openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara. The focus for captain Charith Asalanka will be on ensuring the middle order, including himself and Kusal Mendis, performs better under pressure to support the efforts of Hasaranga. The bowling unit, despite Hasaranga’s three wickets, needs to be more disciplined, particularly against Pakistan’s lower-order hitters, to restrict the hosts to a more manageable total.
PAK vs SL, 2nd ODI: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Pakistan wins the toss and bats first
- Pakistan powerplay score: 50-60 (10 overs)
- Pakistan total score: 280-300
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bats first
- Sri Lanka powerplay score: 55-65 (10 overs)
- Sri Lanka total score: 265-285
Match Result: Pakistan to win the contest
Also READ: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2025: Rawalpindi Pitch Report, ODI Stats and Records
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